Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of bio-oil production and, in specific, relates to a method for synthesizing bio-oil from rice straw using a combination of pre-treatment techniques and microwave-assisted pyrolysis to enhance bio-oil yield and quality.
Background of the invention:
[0002] The disposal of non-eco-friendly solid wastes, such as polymeric materials, has significantly grown globally in the last few decades. Inevitably, it poses very complex environmental problems, such as landfilling and underground water pollution. With the growth of the industrial manufacturing sector coupled with ignorance of environmental sustainability, a lot of recyclable and reusable solid waste materials are disposed of in the environment around the world.

[0003] For example, a vast amount of biomass produced from agro-residual and plastic waste can serve as useful resources. Rice straw (RS) is one of these crop residues that is abundantly accessible and cheaply available every year in an agriculturally dependent nation like India, where rice is an important food grain crop cultivated in about 43.95 million hectares with a total production of about 106.54 metric tons and approximately 160 metric tons of straw annually in a ratio of 1:1.5 for grain to straw.

[0004] At the moment, a sizeable percentage of this copious residue is used for domestic cooking, manure, fodder, thatching of rural houses, mushroom cultivation, etc., and 40 to 60 percent of the gross residue generated still has an excess. The custom of burning rice straw on farms after harvesting crops is now predominating widely across the nation, as it is one of the simplest and most affordable options to get rid of it and make the land quickly ready for the following crop. Therefore, there is a need to explore efficient methods to utilize the rice straw and recover its valuable chemical and energy potential is crucial.

[0005] Generally, increased awareness of the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels and commitments to reducing the emission of greenhouse gases have significantly increased the demand for greener energy resources. Due to greater dependence on technology, both in a personal and commercial capacity and expanding global population. Traditional fossil fuel resources through catalytic reforming in a petroleum refinery. The processing of non-renewable petroleum has caused severe carbon emissions.

[0006] Biofuels are considered a promising alternative to more environmentally friendly fossil fuels (in particular diesel, naphtha, gasoline, and jet fuels). Currently, such materials are replaced in part only by blends with fuels of biological origin. Because of the costs associated with the formation of some biofuels, it has not been commercially viable to manufacture fuels that are entirely derived from biomass materials. Even in the case of a combination of bio-derived fuels and fossil fuels, the difficulty of blending some bio-derived fuels can result in extended processing times and higher costs. Fossil fuels are formed with a complex mixture of hydrocarbon compounds.

[0007] Pyrolysis is a thermal treatment process in the absence of oxygen and under inert conditions. Pyrolysis processing of the rice straws allows complex organic volatile matter to be decomposed into lower molecular weight products constituted of solids, gases, and liquids that can be used as fuels, additives, or chemical feedstock. Specifically, it creates three useful products from the rice straws that are thermally degraded under inert conditions, such as solid, liquid, and gas.

[0008] In existing technology, a method for preparing pre-treated bio-refinery feedstock from raw and recycled waste cellulosic biomass is known. The method for preparing cellulosic biomass material for subsequent processing first comprises moving at least one stream of biomass material along a flow path. Then, the stream of cellulosic biomass material endured a drying process with explosive force, followed by pulverization to reduce the moisture content and particle size of the cellulosic biomass material.

[0009] Then, the stream of cellulosic biomass material applies a high-intensity laser field to pass adjacent a reflecting mirror used by the laser beams. The high-intensity laser field can electrically degrade the stream of cellulosic biomass material to disrupt lignocellulose bonds. The cellulosic biomass material includes crop residues like corn stover, cereal straws, sugarcane bagasse, and various agricultural wastes. However, the cellulosic biomass material endured solvent pre-treatment using dilute organic solvents catalyzed by acids.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a method for synthesizing bio-oil from rice straw using a combination of pre-treatment techniques and microwave-assisted pyrolysis to enhance bio-oil yield and quality. There is also a need for a method for synthesizing bio-oil with the rice straw in solvents for a limited duration, followed by preparing the rice straw for a green laser treatment to initiate photochemical reactions.

[0011] There is also a need for a method that integrates with the green laser treatment to ensure microwave pyrolysis, experiencing rapid thermal decomposition and releasing bio-oil, gases, and char. Further, there is also a need for a method that is adapted to analyze the calorific valve, and the energy content of the bio-oil using a bomb calorimeter, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and infrared spectroscopy (IR).
Objectives of the invention:
[0012] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a method for synthesizing bio-oil initiates with the rice straw in solvents for a limited duration, followed by preparing the rice straw for a green laser treatment to initiate photochemical reactions.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide a method that integrates with the green laser treatment to ensure microwave pyrolysis, experiencing rapid thermal decomposition and releasing bio-oil, gases, and char.

[0014] The other objective of the invention is to provide a method that eliminates the burning of a rice straw in atmosphere as a pollutant.

[0015] The other objective of the invention is to provide a method that achieves lower operating temperatures during pyrolysis through the use of microwaves and pre-treatment, thereby leading to energy savings and reduced environmental impact.

[0016] The other objective of the invention is to provide a method that is adapted to analyze calorific valve, energy content of the bio-oil using a bomb calorimeter, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and infrared spectroscopy (IR).

[0017] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a method that consumes less power for processing than other existing methods.

[0018] Further objective of the invention is to provide a method that is environmentally sustainable and cost-effective for converting the rice straws into valuable resources.
Summary of the invention:
[0019] The present disclosure proposes a method for synthesizing bio-oil using microwave-assisted pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis of rice straw through green laser treatment. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0020] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a method for synthesizing bio-oil from rice straw using a combination of pre-treatment techniques and microwave-assisted pyrolysis to enhance bio-oil yield and quality.

[0021] According to an aspect, the invention provides a method for synthesizing bio-oil yield using microwave-assisted pyrolysis. At one step, a biomass by-product is collected and crushed into fine particles. At another step, the crushed particles are soaked in at least one solvent to promote the dissolution of desirable organic compounds. At another step, the solvent-treated fine particles is exposed to a green laser light for at least 20-30 minutes to enhance the chemical composition of the biomass, and production of a high-quality bio-oil with improved properties.

[0022] At another step, the laser-treated fine particles are subjected to microwave-assisted pyrolysis for performing rapid thermal decomposition, thereby forming a sludge and releasing fossil fuels. Further, at another step, the released fossil fuel is analysed with different techniques to evaluate its properties.

[0023] In one embodiment, the biomass by-product includes a rice straw by-product. In one embodiment, the microwave-assisted co-pyrolysis is operated at 450 W to provide high rates of the fossil fuels, which serves as an alternate fuel or bio-oil. In one embodiment, the techniques are used to analyze the properties of bio-oil include a bomb calorimeter, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The properties of bio-oil include calorific valve, and energy content.

[0024] In one embodiment, the microwave-assisted pyrolysis comprises a magnetron, which is configured to generate the microwave energy to radiate the feedstock mixture into the vaporised volatiles and the sludge. In one embodiment, the sludge is obtained by radiating the feedstock, wherein the sludge is beneficial energy product includes a bio-char, a bio-oil and a bio-gas.

[0025] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for increasing of bio-oil yield using microwave-assisted pyrolysis, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 2A illustrates a graphical representation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of bio-oil produced by a microwave-assisted pyrolysis from a rice straw with combination of acetone, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 2B illustrates a graphical representation of the NMR spectroscopy of bio-oil produced by the microwave-assisted pyrolysis from the rice straw pre-treated with combination of ethanol soaking and laser 532 nm, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 2C illustrates a graphical representation of the NMR spectroscopy of bio-oil produced by the microwave-assisted pyrolysis from the rice straw pre-treated with combination of benzene, acetone, ethanol soaking and laser 532 nm, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 3A illustrates a graphical representation of the rice straw treated with the combination of benzene soaking and laser 532 nm, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 3B illustrates a graphical representation of the rice straw treated with the combination of ethanol soaking and laser 532 nm, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 3C illustrates a graphical representation of the rice straw treated with the combination of acetone soaking and laser 532 nm, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0034] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0035] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for synthesizing bio-oil from rice straw using a combination of pre-treatment techniques and microwave-assisted pyrolysis to enhance bio-oil yield and quality.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to a flowchart 100 of a method for increasing of bio-oil yield using microwave-assisted pyrolysis. At step 102, a biomass by-product is collected and dried to reduce moisture content. Later, the dried by-product is crushed into fine particles at a suitable size. In addition, the biomass by-product is obtained from the waste of rice straw. At step 104, the crushed particles in at least one solvent promote the dissolution of desirable organic compounds.

[0037] At step 106, the solvent-treated fine particles are exposed to a green laser light for at least 20-30 minutes to enhance the chemical composition of the biomass, and production of a high-quality bio-oil with improved properties. At step 108, the laser-treated fine particles are subjected to microwave-assisted pyrolysis for performing rapid thermal decomposition, thereby forming a sludge and releasing fossil fuels. At another step, the released fossil fuel is analyzed with different techniques to evaluate its properties.

[0038] In one embodiment herein, the valuable biomass includes the rice straw by-products, which is collected from agricultural waste. In one embodiment herein, the microwave-assisted co-pyrolysis is operated at 450 W to provide high rates of the fossil fuels, which serves as an alternate fuel or bio-oil. In one embodiment herein, the techniques are used to analyze the properties of bio-oil include a bomb calorimeter, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The properties of bio-oil include calorific valve, and energy content.

[0039] In one embodiment herein, the microwave-assisted pyrolysis comprises a magnetron, which is configured to generate the microwave energy to radiate the feedstock mixture into the vaporised volatiles and the sludge. In one embodiment, the sludge is obtained by radiating the feedstock, wherein the sludge is beneficial energy product includes a bio-char, a bio-oil and a bio-gas.

[0040] In one example embodiment herein, the rice straw waste is first processed by collecting, drying, and crushing it into a uniform powder suitable for further conversion. This drying step is crucial to remove moisture and ensure even heating during pyrolysis. To improve the efficiency of our method, we soaked the rice straw powder in a mixture of solvents (acetone, benzene, and ethanol) for two days. Then, before separating and drying the powder again, we exposed it to green laser light (wavelength 532 nanometers, 100 milliwatts power) for 20-30 minutes. This laser treatment triggers a photochemical reaction that significantly enhances the process compared to not using a laser.

[0041] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2A refers to a graphical representation 202 of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of bio-oil produced by the microwave-assisted pyrolysis from the rice straw pre-treated with combination of acetone soaking and laser 532 nm. In one example embodiment herein, the NMR is a technique used to identify the structure of molecules by analyzing the magnetic properties of atomic nuclei. NMR spectra typically show peaks at various locations on the x-axis (chemical shift) which correspond to different atom types within the molecule.

[0042] The x-axis (ppm) (d) of the graph contains from -8.129 to 6.742 ppm and 1.00 to 0.51 ppm on the y-axis (energy absorption) (KJ/Kg). The x-axis may represent chemical shift in ppm (parts per million), which is a common unit in NMR spectroscopy. The y-axis may represent signal intensity or energy absorption. The presence of negative values on the x-axis suggests that the spectrum may have been referenced to a standard compound.

[0043] In another embodiment herein, the method is configured to enhance the calorific content of the biomass and improving the properties using the green laser treatment, and microwave-assisted pyrolysis. The method is significant advancement in the field of converting biomass into sustainable energy sources and valuable materials. The x-axis labeled in ppm (parts per million) likely represents chemical shift, a common unit in NMR spectroscopy.

[0044] Chemical shift indicates the relative position of a resonance peak compared to a reference compound. The y-axis labeled from 1.00 to 0.51 likely represents signal intensity or abundance. Higher values on the y-axis correspond to a stronger signal. The presence of negative values on the x-axis suggests the spectrum was referenced to a standard compound, a common practice in NMR spectroscopy.

[0045] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2B refers to a graphical representation 204 of the NMR spectroscopy of bio-oil produced by the microwave-assisted pyrolysis from the rice straw pre-treated with combination of ethanol soaking and laser 532 nm. In one embodiment herein, the NMR spectra typically several peaks at various locations on the x-axis, which correspond to different atom types within the molecule. The image you sent lacks these characteristic peaks.

[0046] The data plotted on a grid with labels on the x-axis ranging from -5.11 to 5.0 ppm and the y-axis ranging from -2.00 to 1.04. It is possible that the data used to generate this graph originated from the NMR analysis, but it has been processed or summarized in a way that eliminates the individual peaks. The y-axis labelled from -2.00 to 1.04 likely represents signal intensity or abundance.

[0047] Higher values on the y-axis correspond to a stronger signal. The presence of negative values on the x-axis suggests the spectrum was referenced to a standard compound, a common practice in NMR spectroscopy. The interpretation of the graph is difficult without additional context regarding the data was generated, shows a processed view of some data analysis, potentially derived from NMR spectroscopy. The information of the chemical composition of the bio-sample.

[0048] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2C refers to a graphical representation 206 of the NMR spectroscopy of bio-oil produced by the microwave-assisted pyrolysis from the rice straw pre-treated with combination of benzene, acetone, ethanol soaking and laser 532 nm. In one example embodiment herein, the graph data is plotted on a grid with labels on the x-axis ranging from -8.129 to 6.742 ppm and the y-axis ranging from 1.00 to 0.51. The graph data is used to generate this graph originated from the NMR analysis, but it has been processed in a way that eliminates the individual peaks.

[0049] The x-axis labelled in ppm (parts per million) likely represents chemical shift, a common unit in NMR spectroscopy. Chemical shift indicates the relative position of a resonance peak compared to a reference compound. The y-axis labelled from 1.00 to 0.51 likely represents signal intensity or abundance. Higher values on the y-axis correspond to a stronger signal. The presence of negative values on the x-axis suggests the spectrum was referenced to a standard compound, a common practice in NMR spectroscopy. The graph interpretation is difficult without additional context regarding the data was generated, shows a processed or summarized view of some data analysis, potentially derived from NMR spectroscopy. The analysis offers information about the chemical composition of the bio-oil sample.

[0050] In one example embodiment herein, the benzene is a known solvent for a wide range of organic compounds, including aromatics. The presence of benzene in the pre-treatment process might be reflected in the bio-oil by a stronger signal in the aromatic region (around 6-9 ppm on the x-axis) of the NMR spectrum. In another example embodiment herein, the acetone is a polar aprotic solvent that can dissolve various organic compounds, including ketones, aldehydes, and alcohols. Its influence on the bio-oil composition might be reflected in the corresponding chemical shift regions for these functional groups in a standard NMR spectrum.

[0051] In one example embodiment herein, the ethanol is a polar solvent that can dissolve many oxygen-containing organic compounds. Similar to acetone, the ethanol pre-treatment could affect the bio-oil composition in the regions corresponding to alcohols and other oxygenated functionalities in a standard NMR spectrum. The processing of the graph that might obscure some of the specific details that a standard NMR spectrum would reveal.

[0052] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3A refers to a graphical representation 302 of the rice straw treated with the combination of benzene soaking and laser 532 nm. In one embodiment herein, the fingerprint region of the rice straw particles having one or more peak values, which indicates the spectrum of the algae compound changes its molecular compounds at the 1397.96 cm-1 and 1368.09 cm-1 by 15 percent.

[0053] In another embodiment herein, the functional group region of the graph having C-H compounds with one or more neutral values of 2950.73 cm-1 to 3967.32 cm-1 at the functional group with C-H compounds. The x-axis of the graph indicates a wavenumber (cm-1) and the y-axis indicates a transmittance (%) that is measure light passes through the rice straw particles. In one example embodiment herein, the biomass by-product is soaked into the acetone solvent upon performing the drying operation. The soaked particles are exposed to the green laser light of 532 nm for at least 20-30 minutes to enhance the chemical composition of the biomass, and production of a high-quality bio-oil with improved properties.

[0054] In one embodiment herein, the X-axis represents a wavenumber (cm-1) and Y-axis represents transmittance (%). In addition, at the 500 cm-1 the transmittance is 0 %. Here, the transmittance percentage of the biomass by-product gradually increases upon increasing the wavenumber. The transmittance achieves 75 % upon surpassing the wavenumber of 809.01 cm-1. In one embodiment herein, the percentage of the transmittance maintains 80 % from 809.01 cm-1 to 4000 cm-1. The percentage of the transmittance reduces and fluctuated between 1368.07 cm-1 and 1777.24 cm-1. The percentage of the transmittance is reduces to 40 % in between 3448.42 cm-1 and 3786.02 cm-1.

[0055] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3B refers to a graphical representation 304 of the rice straw treated with the combination of ethanol soaking and laser 532 nm. In one example embodiment herein, the biomass by-product is soaked into the ethanol solvent upon performing the drying operation. The soaked particles are exposed to the green laser light of 532 nm for at least 20-30 minutes to enhance the chemical composition of the biomass, and production of a high-quality bio-oil with improved properties.

[0056] In one embodiment herein, the X-axis represents a wavenumber (cm-1) and Y-axis represents transmittance (%). In addition, at the 500 cm-1 the transmittance is 40 %. Here, the transmittance percentage of the biomass by-product gradually increases upon increasing the wavenumber. The transmittance achieves 80 % upon surpassing the wavenumber of 600 cm-1. In one embodiment herein, the percentage of the transmittance maintains 80 % from 600 to 4000 cm-1. The percentage of the transmittance reduces to 20 % in between 1100 and 1777.63 cm-1.

[0057] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3C refers to a graphical representation 306 of the rice straw treated with the combination of acetone soaking and laser 532 nm. In one example embodiment herein, the biomass by-product is soaked into the acetone solvent upon performing the drying operation. The soaked particles are exposed to the green laser light of 532 nm for at least 20-30 minutes to enhance the chemical composition of the biomass, and production of a high-quality bio-oil with improved properties.

[0058] In one embodiment herein, the X-axis represents a wavenumber (cm-1) and Y-axis represents transmittance (%). In addition, at the 500 cm-1 the transmittance is 0 %. Here, the transmittance percentage of the biomass by-product gradually increases upon increasing the wavenumber. The transmittance achieves 80 % upon surpassing the wavenumber of 833.02 cm-1. In one embodiment herein, the percentage of the transmittance maintains 80 % from 833.02 to 4000 cm-1. The percentage of the transmittance fluctuates between 1364.48 and 1773.26 cm-1. The percentage of the transmittance reduces to 40 % in between 3418.27 and 3446.95 cm-1.

[0059] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, the method integrates with the green laser treatment to ensure microwave pyrolysis, experiencing rapid thermal decomposition and releasing bio-oil, gases, and char. The proposed method eliminates the burning of a rice straw in atmosphere as a pollutant. The proposed method achieves lower operating temperatures during pyrolysis through the use of microwaves and pre-treatment, thereby leading to energy savings and reduced environmental impact.

[0060] The propose method is adapted to analyze calorific valve, energy content of the bio-oil using a bomb calorimeter, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The proposed method consumes less power for processing than other existing methods. The proposed method is environmentally sustainable and cost-effective for converting the rice straws into valuable resources.

[0061] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.
, Claims:CLAIMS:
I / We Claim:
1. A method for synthesizing bio-oil yield using microwave-assisted pyrolysis, comprising:
collecting a biomass by-product and crushing it into fine particles;
soaking crushed particles in at least one selected solvent to promote the dissolution of desirable organic compounds;
exposing the solvent-treated particles to green laser light for at least 20 - 30 minutes to enhance the chemical composition of the biomass, and production of a high-quality bio-oil with improved properties; and
subjecting the laser-treated fine particles to microwave-assisted pyrolysis for performing rapid thermal decomposition, thereby forming a sludge and releasing fossil fuels.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further analyzes the released fossil fuel with different techniques to evaluate its properties.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the techniques are used to analyze the properties of bio-oil includes a bomb calorimeter, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and infrared spectroscopy (IR).
4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the properties of bio-oil include calorific valve, and energy content.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fossil fuels include bio-oils, gases and char.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one selected solvent includes acetone, benzene and ethanol.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biomass by-product includes a rice straw by-product.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microwave-assisted co-pyrolysis is operated at 450 W to provide high rates of the fossil fuel, which serves as an alternate fuel.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microwave-assisted pyrolysis comprises a magnetron, which is configured to generate the microwave energy to radiate the feedstock mixture into the vaporized volatiles and the sludge.
10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sludge is obtained by radiating the feedstock, wherein the sludge is a beneficial energy product includes bio char, bio-oil and bio-gas.